NEWS
Arrested on Suspicion of Intentional Homicide and Concealing a Corpse - Philippe Vedovini - the maternal grandfather of Émile Soleil - along with his wife and two of their adult children, have been placed in police custody on the 25th of March on suspicion of "intentional homicide" and "concealing a corpse" in connection with the death of his grandson, Émile. The Grandfather, a 59-year-old osteopath, was previously associated with the Sainte-Croix de Riaumont religious community in the early 1990s, where allegations of violence and sexual abuse surfaced, leading to his status as an "assisted witness" in that investigation. Now, they have become potential suspects.
Drugs Seized - French customs officers have seized 22 kg of cocaine hidden in a truck cabin on the A8 motorway near La Turbie. The Romanian driver, who claimed financial hardship, admitted to smuggling and was sentenced to 4 years in prison and a €1.43 million fine. This seizure is part of a larger anti-drug effort, with Nice customs confiscating 3.3 tons of narcotics in 2024.
Water Filters Scam - Residents of Grasse have received fake calls claiming the city's water was not safe to drink, but the local authorities confirmed this was false. The scam, similar to previous ones in Antibes and Biot, aims to sell water purification devices. The city reassured that the water remains perfectly safe, meeting all quality standards.
Unconventional Primary School - Eric Cézerac runs a unique Freinet school with a progressive, cooperative teaching approach in the small village of La Penne, Alpes-Maritimes. In this primary school, his class of mixed-age students (CE1 to CM2) follows an active learning method with no grades or punishments, focusing on group work and participation. Using creative projects like a school newspaper for grammar and the Vendée Globe for geography, he fosters engagement and curiosity, making education a collaborative experience.
Animal Osteopathy on the Rise - Animal osteopathy is growing in popularity, helping pets and livestock with pain relief through manual therapy. Practitioners like Sehalya Binner and Valérie Delavant treat various animals, working long hours and collaborating with veterinarians when conventional treatments fail. The profession is strictly regulated in France, requiring a recognized diploma, exams, and registration with veterinary authorities.
Mysterious Blue Spiral Seen in the Sky Yesterday - An Alien Invasion? - Residents of the Var department have spotted a mysterious blue spiral in the night sky on Monday evening around 9pm, sparking speculation about extraterrestrials. However, experts confirm it was actually caused by the "venting of the second stage" of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This phenomenon was also observed in other parts of France, including the Vosges and Vendée.
Des Hommes Préhistoriques à la plage - To celebrate Nice’s connection to the sea, an exhibition called "Des hommes préhistoriques à la plage" will soon be open to the public. This immersive display is part of the Biennale des Arts et de l’Océan. It explores how humans lived by the sea 400,000 years ago, mastering fishing, using harpoons, and even understanding marine currents and will run from the 25th of April to the 28th of September at the Terra Amata Prehistory Museum in Nice.
NEWS UPDATE
Opioid Addiction - The Antibes hospital has held an awareness day on the 25th of March about the dangers of opioid painkillers, which can lead to dependence, overdose, and misuse. Experts warn that patients may unknowingly become addicted, with some engaging in "doctor shopping" to obtain more medication. While France’s opioid crisis is not as severe as in the U.S., health professionals stress the need for gradual withdrawal and psychological support to overcome addiction.
Self-Employed Workers on Strike - Self-employed workers have protested in 15 French cities, including Nice, against a proposed VAT exemption threshold reduction to €25,000. Previously set at €85,000 for sales and €37,500 for services, the new limit has been postponed until the 1st of June. Protesters argue the change would increase financial strain, forcing some to consider quitting or resorting to undeclared work.
Eddy Mitchell Canceled His Summer 2025 Tour - Eddy Mitchell, 82, has canceled his summer 2025 tour, including a 24th of July concert in Toulon, Var, due to health issues requiring several months of treatment and rest. The singer expressed disappointment but emphasized that his health must come first. Ticket holders will be refunded automatically or through their original points of purchase.
BUSINESS
China has released five staff members of the US firm Mintz Group, two years after detaining them amid a crackdown on foreign consultancy firms. Their release coincides with a Beijing business forum aimed at reviving foreign investment in China's struggling economy. Mintz Group, which had shut its China offices after a $1.5M fine, had been investigating forced labour concerns in Xinjiang.
And - US President Donald Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on imports from countries buying Venezuelan oil, aiming to pressure Venezuela and its trading partners. Meanwhile, he hinted at softening tariffs on other countries, leading to a market rally. His move could impact China, India, and Spain, while oil prices rose following the announcement.
SPORTS
Football - Brighton forward Fran Kirby has been recalled to the England squad for their upcoming Women's Nations League matches against Belgium next month. The 31-year-old came on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with the United States in November but missed February's matches through injury.
Tennis - Emma Raducanu says she has found her "competitive spirit" after defeating 17th seed Amanda Anisimova in Miami to reach her first WTA 1,000 quarter-final. The Briton was in brilliant form from the off against her American opponent and needed just 24 minutes to secure the first set on her way to a blistering 6-1 6-3 win.
Golf - Patrick Cantlay holed the winning putt on the final hole as Atlanta Drive GC claimed a 6-5 victory over New York Golf Club in the opening match of the TGL Final in Florida.
WEATHER
Sunny with cloudy intervals and moderate winds across the riviera with chances of thunderstorms persisting inland. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 17 in Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 18 degrees in Cannes.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 9 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear throughout the day until rain makes a fast appearance early evening, just so we don’t forget about it. Highs of 17 degrees with moderate winds.
Philippe Vedovini - the maternal grandfather of Émile Soleil - along with his wife and two of their adult children, have been placed in police custody...
Read More
Princess Charlene of Monaco led the inaugural Road Safety Day on March 23rd in Larvotto, promoting bike safety and sustainable mobility. ...
Read More
AS Cannes will face Reims in the Coupe de France semi-final on April 2nd, and the city of Cannes is setting up a fan zone on the Allées de la Liberté ...
Read More
Four people, including the grandparents, are in police custody in connection with the death of 2-and-a-half-year-old Emile Soleil, whose remains were ...
Read More
The SUD Rail union has filed a strike notice for all weekends from April 17th to June 2nd, potentially affecting popular travel periods in France, suc...
Read More
